The command to John in Revelation 1, verse nineteen gives the key to the book of Revelation. Understanding revelation is dependent upon using the key.
Understanding Revelation Commentary 13
The sounding of the sixth trumpet is completed. We know that in the days when the seventh trumpet begins to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Rev. 10:7. Rev. chapters 10-15 provide important timeline information. After which, the last of the bowl judgements will begin. The final three and a half years of the tribulation period.
Important timeline information is highlighted with three statements
- The beast comes into full power for 42 months. Three and a half years. Rev. 13:5
- The two witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days. Three and a half years. Rev. 11:3
- The woman, Israel, is protected by God in the wilderness for 1,260 days. Three and a half years. Rev 12:9.
We know that the beast comes to full power right in the middle of the tribulation period. How do we know? Because at the end of the tribulation period he, the beast, gathers the armies of the earth to do battle against the Lord who comes on the white horse. He, the beast, is in full power. rev 19:19. Also Daniel 9:27 says that in the middle of the week or just as the second half of the tribulation period begins he shall bring an end to the sacrifice and offering. This is the same time that he kills the 2 witnesses and establishes himself as God. 2 Thess. 2:3,4.
The two witnesses
He can’t touch the two witnesses for three and a half years. The first 3 and a half years of the tribulation. He, the beast, hasn’t come into his full power yet. They, the two witnesses, will have God’s power and will prophesy for three and one half years. If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes from their mouth and devours their enemies. Rev. 11:5. When they finish their testimony, the beast will kill them. This is when the beast comes into full power. The middle of the tribulation period. At the end of the testimony of the two witnesses.
This is the same time that Jesus instructs the woman, Israel, to flee into the mountains. Matt. 24:15. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: The beast, the abomination of desolation, will declare that he is God when he stands in the holy place, the Jewish temple, which is the Daniel 9:27 middle of the week.
Israel will be supernaturally protected by the Lord for three and a half years, 1,260 days, until the end of the tribulation period.